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Thrift - Laurie Taylor explores the history and meaning of a term which conjures up memories of the Second World War.

Thrift: Through the strictures of the global financial downturn and its aftermath citizens have been urged to ‘keep calm and carry on’. This slogan, first coined in the 1940s and revived in the 2000s, found its way into political rhetoric and popular culture. Laurie talks to Rebecca Bramall, lecturer in media and communications at the London College of Communication, about the cultural politics of austerity. Also, Alison Hulme, lecturer in International Development at the University of Northampton, surveys the history of 'thrift' from the early Puritans to Post-war rationing and into consumer culture. What are the overlaps between thrift and austerity?

Producer: Jayne Egerton

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29 minutes

Last on

Mon 25 Nov 201900:15
BBC Radio 4 FM

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Guest

Alison Hulme – Lecturer in International Development at the University of Northampton.

Rebecca Bramall- Senior Lecturer in Media and Communications at London College of Communication.

Further Reading

- 'A Brief History of Thrift' - by Alison Hulme

- 'The Cultural Politics of Austerity: Past andPresent in Austere Times' - by Rebecca Bramall

Broadcasts

  • Wed 20 Nov 201916:00
    BBC Radio 4
  • Mon 25 Nov 201900:15
    BBC Radio 4 FM

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BBC Thinking Allowed is produced in partnership with The Open University

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